Compliant Integration of Sensors on 3D Additive Manufactured Parts Via Aerosol Jet Print Technology
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Author
Khan, Saleem
Rouvinet, Julien
Kiener, Lionel
Blondiaux, Nicolas
Crenna, Maude
Salamin, Lisa
Novo, David
Pugin, Raphaël
Saudan, Hervé
DOI
Abstract
Embedding functionalities in 3D printed objects is a fast-growing technology track, covering a wide range of attractive applications especially in the fields of aerospace, automative and biomedical implants etc. The in-situ monitoring of various physical parameters, particularly temperature and strain provide useful information to determine the control of complex system. Furthermore, features such as heaters allow locally acting on those systems, which is of great interest for fluidic applications. The combination of temperature sensing and controlled heating may lead to even more advanced sensing functions, such as flow measurement. We present the latest developments on compliant integration of functional nanomaterials to the inner surface of 3D printed metal pipes designed for and manufactured with Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) process. The study is focused on the process optimization of Aerosol Jet Printing (AJP) of different functional inks to integrate temperature sensors and heating functions to the pipes. AJP process parameters are optimized considering printing results on the LPBF produced substrate such as pattern resolution, uniformity, and finally on the electrical performance of the printed structures. AJP is applied to coat insulation as well as encapsulation layers on the 3D metal parts. For high resolution patterning of metallic structures, gold (Au) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles-based inks are used for development of temperature sensors and heater elements on the interior surface of metal pipes. The metallic inks are used to print contacting pads, interconnects, and the resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) targeting 1000 Ω (following Pt-1000 standards) as well as an integrated heater. Thermal cyclic response of the RTD sensor is evaluated by varying temperature between -65oC to 85oC in a climatic chamber, resulting into a very stable response.
Publication Reference
Swiss ePrint 2024, EMPA, Dübendorf, Switzerland
Year
2024-09-25